As December's pleasant weather graces Mumbai with cool breezes and clear skies, the city's cultural calendar comes alive with heritage walks and art showcases. This festive month also sees a vibrant array of events across India, from intimate gallery exhibitions in Delhi to grand arena concerts and luxurious New Year's Eve parties.
Mumbai in Watercolours: Capturing the City's Pulse
At the heart of Khotachi Wadi, the 47A Design Gallery is hosting a heartfelt tribute to Mumbai. The exhibition, titled 'Seen Unseen', features a series of watercolour works by artist and illustrator Zainab Tambawalla. Her pieces, which include sketches and paintings created outdoors (en plein air), serve as a vivid documentation of the metropolis's daily life.
From leisurely walkers on Marine Drive to the constant motion of handcarts, Tambawalla captures the unique rhythm of the city. According to the gallery's notes, each artwork stands as an individual meditation on movement and transformation. Collectively, they weave a lyrical portrait of Mumbai. Art enthusiasts can visit the show at 47A, Khotachi Wadi, until 4th January, from 11 am to 7 pm. The gallery remains closed on Mondays.
Delhi's Textile Narratives: Phulkari as Living History
In the national capital, Latitude 28 gallery in Defence Colony is presenting a profound exhibition named 'Sut te Saah: Stories Women in Phulkari'. Moving beyond viewing phulkari merely as fabric and embroidery, the showcase frames it as a living archive of women's histories, often absent from formal records.
The exhibition displays nearly 30 rare phulkaris and baghs from the pre-Partition era, sourced from the private collections of designer Amit Hansraj and Brig. Surinder and Shyama Kakar. This collection highlights the intricate craft as a medium of personal and cultural storytelling. The exhibition opens on 27th December (12 pm-7 pm) and runs until 26th January (11 am-7 pm). It will also be open on Sundays starting from the 4th of January.
From Concert Arenas to Gourmet Pop-Ups
The entertainment scene is equally dynamic. Punjabi music superstar AP Dhillon is set to conclude his massive 'One of One India Tour 2025' this Sunday in Jaipur. Following a successful seven-city run with sold-out shows in Delhi, Pune, and Bengaluru, the final performance promises high energy. Dhillon will be joined on stage by his frequent collaborator, Shinda Kahlon. The concert, produced by Team Innovation and BookMyShow Live with Live Nation, begins at 6:30 pm on 28th December at JECC by Accor, Jaipur.
For food lovers, Loya at the Taj Palace in New Delhi is offering a special winter culinary journey. Head Chef Gagan Sikka has curated a menu highlighting winter-specific cuisines from Northern India. Dishes like Chainaki, Murg Shobat, Multani Gobhi, Sepu Wadi, Redu Gosht, and Babru Seera are featured. The pop-up is ongoing for lunch (12:30–2:45 pm) and dinner (7–11:45 pm).
Ring in 2026 with Grand Celebrations
Bengaluru's JW Marriott Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa is offering multiple ways to celebrate New Year's Eve. 'The Aviary's Golfshire Glow Gala' promises a high-energy countdown with a global dinner, premium drinks, live music, DJ, performances, and raffle draws. Guests can also book private cabanas with butler service.
For a more intimate setting, 'East – The Asian Living Room' offers a refined Asian-themed celebration. The festivities continue into New Year's Day with 'The Aviary's Bubblicious Brunch' on the 1st of January. The celebrations run from 8 pm on 31st December through 1st January. Details and reservations can be made by calling 8792929221.
This diverse lineup of events across Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, and Bengaluru showcases the rich cultural tapestry of India during the holiday season, offering something for every art, music, food, and celebration enthusiast.
